Foldable tent structure



April 16, 1963 E. D. MCDONOUGH FOLDABLE TENT STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5, 1960 April 16, 1963 E. D. McDoNouGH 3,085,586

FOLDABLE TENT STRUCTURE Filed July 5, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent O 3,085,586 FLDABLE TEN'I` STRUCTURE Elon D. McDonough, Rockford, lll.

(Box 68, Shirland, Ill.) Filed `l'uly 5, 1960, Ser. No. 40,709 7 Claims. (Cl. 13S-4) This invention relates to portable structures of the type employing a foldable frame and a ilexible covering for the frame.

An important object -of this invention is to provide a foldable structure which is adapted to form an enclosure for large areas, which structure is of economical and light weight construction and which can be readily collapsed and disassembled for compact storage and transportation.

Another object `of this invention is to provide a foldable Kstructure having a frame movable from a collapsed position on the ground 'to an erected position and a flexible covering for the frame and which is so arranged as to enable the flexible covering to be applied to the frame while it is collapsed on the aground, to be elevated with the frame and thereby facilitate mountingof the ilexible cover.

A more particular object of 4this invention is to provide a foldable structure having a pair of generally U-shaped relatively movable frames having the bridge portions thereof interconnected by one or more tie elements for supporting a covering, yand which frame is arranged so -as to maintain the tie elements under tension as the frames are moved from a collapsed to an erected position, to thereby provide proper support for the flexible covering.

Ye't another object of this invention is to provide a foldable tent construction which can be used on sloping surfaces and which, when erected on such surfaces, will extend generally horizontally.'

These, together with various ancillary objects .and advantages iof this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE l is a top plan view of a foldable tent structure with the flexible covering broken away `and shown in phantom to illustrate details `of construction;

FIG. 2 is a Iside elevational view of the foldable'tent structure;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the foldable tent structure on a larger scale than in FIGURE l to illustrate details of construction;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the foldable tent structure on a larger scale Ithan FIG. 2 to illustrateconstruction details;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view taken on the plane 5--5 of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view ltaken on the plane 6 6 of FIG. 2.

The foldable tent structure `of the present invent-ion isgenerally `adapted for use in providing a somewhat temporary closure for relatively large areas and may, for example, be used to enclose all or a large'portion of a building site to enhance the comfort of the workmen during buildin-g the permanent structure and to also enable heating of 4the area to permit construction during the colder months of the year.

The 'tent construction `of the present invention comprises a foldable frame structure, preferably formed oftubular stock, and a flexible cover of canvas, plastic or the like which overlies the frame structure to besnpportedl thereby .and form a temporary enclosure. In accordance with the present invention, the frame structure is arranged so as to enable assembly of the frame on the ground andl mounting of the cover on the frame, and the frame and cover thereafter elevated 'to the erected position. For

this purpose, the framework is formed by a pair of U- shaped frame sections designated l10 and 11. The frame sections 10 and 11 are similarly constructed and the same numerals followed by the subscript (a) are used to designate the parts ofthe frame section 11 which correspond to similar parts of the frame section 10. The frame sections 10 and 11 respectively include bridge portions 12 and 12a and spaced legs 13, 13a and 14, 14a adjacent opposite ends of the respective bridge por-tion. When assembled, the legs 13a and 14a of the frame section 11 extend crosswise of the legs 13 and 14 respectively yof the frame section 10. A plurality of tie elements, herein shown five in number and designated 21-25 are connected to the bridge portions -12 and 12a and extend therebetween.

The bridge portions are advantageously formed with an arched or a gable type configuration -to adapt the same to span large distances, and as shown herein the bridge portion 12 and 12a respectively include spaced longitudinal members 2S, 28a and 29, 29a andk interconnecting cross members 31, 31a and 32, 32a. The longitudinal and cross members are conveniently formed of tubular stock and may be interconnected in any desired manner. As specifically disclosed herein, corner brackets 33, 33a and 34, 34a are formed with sockets for receiving the longitudinal and cross members, .and the member-s are detachably held in the sockets by pins or set screws designated 35 and 36 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The cross members 31 and 31a are straight,while the cross members 32 are arched or gabled andslant upwardly to a centralridge or peak. The cross members 32 and 32a are herein shown formed in two .sections which are interconnected by ridge brackets 3S and 38a respectively having sockets for receiving the adjacent ends of the crosspiece sections, and pins or set screws 39' are provided for detachably retaining the crosspiecesections assembled ion the ridge bracket. For reasons set forth hereinafter, at least one of the tie elemen-ts such as 21 is formed of a non-flexible construction, such -a-s a tube, and this tie element is also conveniently mounted yin a suitable socket `in .the ridge brackets 38 and 38a. Invorder to reinforce the joints between the Various tubular sections and the brackets, a reinforcing plug or -tube 30 is preferably inserted into the endsof the tubular sections. The other tie elements designated 22-25 are preferably of a ex-ible construction, such as cable, which can be wound into a compact roll for storage and transportation. In order to equalize the tension on the several tie elements 22-25, the latter are formed from a continuous cable which is terminally attached by fasteners 43 to the bridge portions of the frame sections and is entrained intermediate its ends over pulleys 44 also carried by the bridge portions.

Brace elements 45 and 45a are connected to the ridge brackets 38 and 38a respectively, in suitable sockets therein, and extend through the respective corner brackets 3'3 and 33a to reduce lateral ydeflection of the cross members 3-2 and 32a due to the tension on the tie elements 2.1- 25. The legs 13, 13a and 14, 14a are preferably of tubular construction and, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, have a plug 51 in the upper end thereof formed with a bifurcated end which is pivotally connected -by a pin 52 to the ear `on a plug 53 extending outwardly from the longitudinal members 28, 28a and 29, 29a of the bridges. In this manner, the legs are free to pivot vertically relative to the respective bridge portions so that the longitudinal members 28, 28a and 29, 29u of the bridges will remain substantially horizontal as the frame structure f J is raised or lowered.v Stop arms 55 and 55a are attached As previously mentioned the frame section 11 is constructed similar to the frame section 10. However, the bridge portion 12a differs from the bridge 12 in the provision of an `oiset designated 40a in each of the longitudinal members 28a and 29a. This offset, as shown in FIG. l, is provided so that the legs 16 and 17 attached to the bridge `11 will be spaced relatively closer than the legs 13 and 14 on the bridge 10, to 'be received between the latter.

The framework is arranged to be assembled on the ground with the legs 13a and 14a of the frame 11 extending crosswise of the legs 13 and 14 of the frame 10. Provision is made for simultaneously drawing the lower ends of the legs 13, 13a and 14, 14a toward each other to elevate the bridge portions of the frames and also elevate the flexible covering 61 with the bridge portions. The relatively crossing legs 13, 13a and 14, 14a are preferably interconnected to permit free relative pivotal movement therebetween as well as axial sliding movement of the legs. As best shown in FIG. 5, sleeves 63 and 63a are slidably supported on the relatively crossing legs and the sleeves are pivotally interconnected by means of a pin 65. The pin 65 extends into 4bosses on the sleeves and is retained in position by locking pins 66 which extend into annular grooves in the pivot .pin 65. Raising of the frame structures is effected by means of cables 68 which are attached as by a bracket 69 to each of the legs 13a and 14a on one of the U-shaped frames. The other ends of the cables 68 extend over `drums 71 (see FIG. 6) which are rotatably supported by shafts 72 on brackets 73 and 74 carried by the legs 13 and 14 of the other frame structure. A ratchet wheel 75 and pawl 76 is provided for releasably .retaining each of the drums in a preselected angularly adjusted position and thereby -retain the frames in an elevated position. A crank 81 is detachably and non-rotatably connected to the shafts 72 for rotating the drums 71, and, preferably, the shafts 72 at opposite sides of the frame structure are interconnected to rotate the drums 71 in unison. As shown in FIG. 6, lthe shaft connector includes a tube 82 having axially movable sections 83 at each end. The sections are yieldably urged outwardly by a spring 84 and are held against rotation relative to the tube 82 by pins 85. The axially movable sections are detachably and non-rotatably keyed to the shafts 72 by pins 86 which are receivable in slots 87 in the shafts. With `this arrangement, the shaft connector can lbe detached from the Shafts 72, after the foldable building is erected, to provide an unencumbered central span.

The framework is arranged to be stored and transported with each of the tubular sections disassembled from the various connecting brackets 33, 34 and 38 to provide a compact package. In addition, those tubular sections such as the tie element 21 which are relatively long can be formed in two or more sections which are detachably connected by an internal plug or tube 50 which spans the joint between the sections. The framework is assembled on the ground at the point of use and the flexible covering 61 is laid over the bridge portions and tie elements of the frame before the latter is erected. The crank 81 is then manipulated -to wind the cables 68 on the drums at each side of the frame -to elevate both sides of the frame structure in unison. The tie element 21 has a fixed length and, as the cables 68 are wound on the drums to draw the lower ends of the legs of the first and second frames toward each other, the legs will slide relative to the sleeves 63 and 63a and maintain the tie elements in tension at all times. This not only aids in supporting the covering 61 which rests `on the tie elements, but also minimizes the bending moment in the legs of the first and second `frames due to the weight of the frame structure and covering. Locking pins 91 may be provided on the sleeves 63 and 63a to extend into openings 92 in the legs of the frames to lock the legs to the respective sleeves, when they reach a preselected relative position. As shown herein, the locking pins are mounted on a resilient leaf spring 93. The leaf spring is pivotally mounted as by `a pin 94 on the sleeves 63 and 64 and may be swung into and out of the position shown in FIG. 5. When in the last mentioned position, the leaf springs yieldably urge the pins 91 into locking position. Thus, as the cables 68 are wound on the drums, and one or the other of the bridge portions reaches the desired elevation, the locking pin 91 on the legs of that frame may be moved into locking position to lock the legs against further sliding movement relative to the sleeve. Thereafter, as the cable is further wound on the drum, the legs of the other frame will slide relative to their sleeves until the locking pins of the last-mentioned frame are also moved into locking position. With this arrangement, the elevation of the bridge portions of the frames 10 and 11 can be independently varied to accommodate non-uniform and inclined surfaces. In addition, the cranks at opposite sides of the frames can be individually adjusted to raise one side of the `frame higher than the other, if necessary to accommodate any slope in the ground in a direction crosswise of the tent structure.

In order to support the sides of the covering 61, adjacent the corners of the frame structure, a post 98 is preferably provided at each corner. The posts, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, are preferably pivotally mounted by a pin 99 on an ear 100 attached to the underside of the corner brackets 33. The posts are thus swingable into and out of the upright position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and have feet 101 on the lower ends thereof which are preferably longitudinally adjustable relative to the posts. The main weight of the frame structure and covering is supported by the legs 13, 13a and 14, 14a and the posts 98 are provided primarily to support the sides of the covering.

I claim:

1. A foldable tent construction comprising first and second generally U-sbaped frame structures each including a bridge portion and spaced legs, said bridge portions each including spaced longitudinal members and first and second cross members extending between the longitudinal members and brace elements extending from a point adjacent the ends of said second cross members on each frame structure to a point intermediate the ends of the respective -frst cross member, means pivotally attaching the legs of each frame structure to the respective bridge portion adjacent opposite ends of the first cross member, the legs of one frame `structure extending crosswise of the legs of the other frame structure at a point intermediate said bridge portions, means interconnecting the legs of one frame structure with a respective one of the legs of the other frame structure for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, an elongated rigid tie element extending lengthwise of the tent between the first cross member on said first and second frame structures to maintain said bridge portions in a generally horizontal position, means attached to the relatively crossing legs adjacent the lower ends for drawing the lower ends of the legs toward each other to thereby elevate and lower the bridge portions of the frame structures, the legs of said first and second `frame structures shifting relative to each other during elevating and lowering of the bridge portions to maintain the tie element taut therebetween, and `a covering supported on the bridge portions and tie element.

2. A foldable tent construction comprising, first and second generally U-shaped frame structures each including a bridge portion and spaced legs, said bridge portions each including spaced longitudinal members and rst and second cross members extending between the longitudinal members, means pivotally attaching the legs of each frame structure to the respective bridge portions adjacent opposite ends of the -first cross members, the legs of one frame structure extending crosswise of the legs of the other frame structure at a point intermediate said bridge portions and said bridge portions projecting outwardly in relatively opposite directions from the upper ends of said legs to provide overhanging roof supports at each end of the tent, means interconnecting the legs of one frame structure with a respective one of the legs of the other'frame structure for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, said iirst cross members having a gable configuration with the apex disposed at a level above a horizontal plane through the pivot point of the legs to the bridge portions, at least one elongated tie element extending longitudinally of the tent between said iirst cross members on said rst and` second frame structures at a point adjacent the apexes thereof to maintain said bridge portions in a generally horizontal position, means engageable with the lower ends of the legs on said iirst and second frame structures `for drawing the lower ends of the legs on the irst and second frame structures toward each other to elevate the bridge portions of the frame structures, the legs on said iirst and second lframe structures shifting relative to each other during raising and lowering of the bridge portions to maintain the tie element taut therebetween.

3. The combination of claim 2 including brace elements exten-ding from a point adjacent the ends of said second cross members on each frame structure to a point adjacent the apex of the respective iirst cross member.

4. A foldable tent construction comprising iirst and second top frame sections spaced apart and located adjacent opposite ends of the tent to extend crosswise thereof, said top frame sections each having spaced side members extending generally longitudinally of the tent and spaced cross members extending between said side members, tirst and second pairs of legs respectively attached to said irst and second top frame sections for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, said rst pair of -legs on said first frame section extending crosswise of respective ones of said second pair of legs on said second frame section at a point intermediate said tirst and second top frame sections and being arranged for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, said frame sect-ions projecting outwardly from the ends of the respective legs to provide overhanging roo-f supports at each end of the tent, the inner ones of said cross members on said iirst and second frame sections having a gable configuration with the apex disposed at a level above a horizontal plane through the points of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section, a plurality of elongated tie elements extending longitudinally of the tent between said top frame sections, at least one of the tie elements being attached to said inner cross members at a point substantially above said plane through the points of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section to maintain the frame sections generally horizontal `as the frame sections are raised, and means attached to the relatively crossing legs adjacent their lower ends for drawing the lower ends of the legs toward each other to thereby elevate the top frame sections while maintaining said tie elements under tension therebetween.

5. A foldable tent construction comprising lirst and second top frame sections spaced apart and located adjacent opposite ends of the tent to extend crosswise thereof, said top frame sections each having spaced side members extending generally longitudinally of the tent and spaced cross members extending between said side members, tirst and second pairs of legs respectively attached to said first and second top frame sections for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, said first pair of legs on said first frame section extending crosswise of respective ones of said second pair of legs on said second frame section at ra point intermediate said first and second top frame sections and being arranged for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, said frame sections projecting outwardly from the ends of the respective legs `to provide overhanging roof supports at each end of the tent, the inner ones of said cross members on said first and second frame sections having a gable configuration wvith the apex disposed at a level above a horizontal plane through the points of attachment of the legs lto the respective frame section, a plurality of elongated tie elements extending longitudinally of the tent between said top frame sections, at least one of the tie elements being attached to said inner cross members at a point substantially above said plane through the points of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section to maintain the frame sections generally horizontal as the frame sections are raised, means att-ached to the relatively crossing legs adjacent their lower ends for drawing the lower ends of the legs toward each other to thereby elevate the top frame sections while maintaining said tie elements under tension therebetween, and means on said top frame sections engageable with the respective legs thereon for limiting relative swinging movement of the legs when the top frame sections reach a preselected elevated position.

6. A foldable tent construction comprising iirst and second top frame sections spaced apart and llocated adjacent opposite ends of the tent yto extend crosswise thereof, said top frame sections each having spaced side members extending generally longitudinally of the tent and spaced cross members extending between said side members, first and second pairs of legs respectively attached to said first and second top frame sections for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, said rst pair of legs on said rst frame section extending crosswise of respective ones of said second pair of legs on said second frame section at a point intermediate said iirst and second top frame sections and being arranged for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, said frame sections p-rojecting outwardly from the ends of the respective legs to provide overhanging roof supports at each end of the tent, the inner ones of said cross members on said first 4and second frame sections having a gable configuration with the apex disposed at a level above a horizontal plane through the points of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section, a plurality of elongated tie elements extending longitudinally of the tent between said top frame sections, at least one of the tie elements being attached to said inner cross members at a point substantially above said plane through the points of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section to maintain the frame sections generally horizontal as the frame sections are raised, means attached to the relatively crossing legs adjacent their lower ends for drawing the lower ends of the legs toward each other to thereby elevate the top framel sections while maintaining said tie elements under tension therebetween, and brace elements extending from a point adjacent the ends of the outermost cross members on each frame structure to a point intermediate the ends of the respective inner cross member.

7. A foldable tent construction comprising iirst and second top frame sections spaced apart and located adjacent opposite ends of the tent to extend crosswise thereof, said top frame sections each having spaced side members extending generally longitudinally of the tent and spaced cross members extending between said side members, first and second pairs of legs respectively attached to said rst and second -top lframe sections for vertical swinging movement relative thereto in planes extending longitudinally of the tent, said first pair of legs on said first frame section extending crosswise of respective ones of said second pair of legs on said second frame section 'at a point intermediate said frame sections and being arranged for relative pivotal and axial shifting movement therebetween, said frame sections projecting generally horizontally, outwardly from the upper ends of the respective legs to provide overhanging supports at each end of the tent, said frame sections each having a portion disposed at a level above a horizontal plane through the point of attachment of the legs to the respective frame section, a plurality of elongated tie elements extending longitudinally of the tent between said top frame sections, at least one of said tie elements being attached to said frame sections at a point substantially above said plane through the points of attachment of said legs to the re- 1,642,267 Rush Sept. 13, 1927 spective frame section, and means attached to the relative- 1,687,722 Goldberg et `al Oct. 16, 1928 1y crossing legs adjacent their lower ends for drawing the 1,744,146 Seaman Jan. 21, 1930 lower ends toward each other to thereby elevate the top 1,843,312 Ames Feb. 2, 1932 frame sections. 2,151,908 Gottlieb Mar. 28, 1939 2,513,411 Heil July 4, 1950 References Cited in the le of this patent 2,818,567 Oliver Jan. 7, 1958 2,829,928 Callaway Apr, 8, 1958 UNITED STATES PATENTS 29,542 Burton Aug. 7, 1860 110 FOREIGN PATENTS 223,687 Whitehead 1611.20, 1880 686,615 Germany Jan. 12, 1940 

1. A FOLDABLE TENT CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND GENERALLY U-SHAPED FRAME STRUCTURES EACH INCLUDING A BRIDGE PORTION AND SPACED LEGS, SAID BRIDGE PORTIONS EACH INCLUDING SPACED LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS AND FIRST AND SECOND CROSS MEMBERS EXTENDING BETWEEN THE LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS AND BRACE ELEMENTS EXTENDING FROM A POINT ADJACENT THE ENDS OF SAID SECOND CROSS MEMBERS ON EACH FRAME STRUCTURE TO A POINT INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS OF THE RESPECTIVE FIRST CROSS MEMBER, MEANS PIVOTALLY ATTACHING THE LEGS OF EACH FRAME STRUCTURE TO THE RESPECTIVE BRIDGE PORTION ADJACENT OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE FIRST CROSS MEMBER, THE LEGS OF ONE FRAME STRUCTURE EXTENDING CROSSWISE OF THE LEGS OF THE OTHER FRAME STRUCTURE AT A POINT INTERMEDIATE SAID BRIDGE PORTIONS, MEANS INTERCONNECTING THE LEGS OF ONE FRAME STRUCTURE WITH A RESPECTIVE ONE OF THE LEGS OF THE OTHER FRAME STRUCTURE FOR RELATIVE PIVOTAL AND AXIAL SHIFTING MOVEMENT THEREBETWEEN, AN ELONGATED RIGID TIE ELEMENT EXTENDING LENGTHWISE OF THE TENT BETWEEN THE FIRST CROSS MEMBER ON SAID FIRST AND SECOND FRAME STRUCTURES TO MAINTAIN SAID BRIDGE PORTIONS IN A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION, MEANS ATTACHED TO THE RELATIVELY CROSSING LEGS ADJACENT THE LOWER ENDS FOR DRAWING THE LOWER ENDS OF THE LEGS TOWARD EACH OTHER TO THEREBY ELEVATE AND LOWER THE BRIDGE PORTIONS OF THE FRAME STRUCTURES, THE LEGS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND FRAME STRUCTURES SHIFTING RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER DURING ELEVATING AND LOWERING OF THE BRIDGE PORTIONS TO MAINTAIN THE TIE ELEMENT TAUT THEREBETWEEN, AND A COVERING SUPPORTED ON THE BRIDGE PORTIONS AND TIE ELEMENT. 